A light tossed salad makes an excellent appetizer. You might also try bruschetta or hummus and pita chips. Remember to keep it simple. Your appetizers should not overshadow your main dish. Be sure to plan ahead and avoid serving anything that your date might not like. Pay attention to things that they have ordered at restaurants. You can also ask them what they like. If you noticed that they like shellfish, try asking “what would think about having shrimp cocktail for dinner?”
Avoid cooking difficult to eat or messy foods. Soups and pastas are a dangerous choice. You want to focus on the conversation and your date, not avoiding stains. Try not to use too much garlic, onion or other foods with strong odors. If things get more romantic later, your smelly breath might be a turn off. A sautéed meat and vegetable dish is an easy and safe dish to serve on a dinner date. Be sure to plan ahead and cook something that you know your date will enjoy.
Avoid messy desserts. Syrups and sauces can make a huge sticky mess. Be sure to prepare a dessert that you know your date enjoys.
Try to figure out ahead of time what your date enjoys drinking so that you can have it waiting for them. Pay attention to what they order at bars and restaurants, or you can just ask them what their favorite drink is. [5] X Research source Your meal choice will help determine what type of wine, if any, you will serve. Red wines go well with red meats, while white wines pair well with lighter meats and vegetarian meals. Food and drink combinations vary, so you can also try pairing beer or liquor with your meal. [6] X Research source
This also applies if you are planning a date night with your partner who you live with. Having a clean space will help everyone feel less stressed and more romantic.
You might also want to get a haircut before the date. This might give you a little extra confidence. Do not overdo it. Make sure that you look nice and are comfortable with your attire. Wearing things that make you uncomfortable will be distracting and kill the mood.
Avoid using paper or plastic dinnerware. This will make the dinner seem thrown together at the last second.
You may decide to set the table with candles and some flowers to help the mood. However, do not place them so that it is difficult to see your date. [10] X Research source
Avoid using any scented candles. These might distract from the food you are serving. Be sure to put out the candles when you are done with them. You want to kindle a fire in each other’s hearts, not the dining room.
Avoid playing the radio. Advertisements can be a loud and obnoxious distraction. Try creating a Pandora station or a Spotify playlist of romantic music. Try Kenny G. , Adele or Al Green.
Cooking a meal that your guest does not like is an easy way to kill the mood. Make sure that you do not cook something that they are allergic to. Your date probably will not find a trip to the ER very endearing.
Put your napkin in your lap, not in your shirt. Turn off the TV. Unless watching a movie is part of your dinner plan, the TV should be off.
Ask your date things like “how long have you worked at Costco” or “Skydiving is quite the hobby. How did you get into that?” If you are nervous about what to talk about, prepare a list of topics to discuss during the meal. Find things to talk about that you and your date have in common. For example, if you both like a certain film genre, ask your date things like “what’s your favorite movie?” and “who is your favorite director?”
